BUDS OF PROMISE 



BY 
PEGGY REID 



Monroe Evening News Company 
Monroe, Mich. 






Copyrighted 1921 
By Peggy Reid 



SEP 14 1921 

' - g)Cl,A622790 



To My Dear and Honored 

Mother 

My Most Gentle Critic 

I Dedicate 
My First Book of Verse 
P.R. 



PREFACE 



Dr. Johnson says there is no mercy for a book. This 
is true and in the superlative degree for the hrst book of 
a poet. Such books seem to be the special meat on which 
small critics gloat. Byron was quickened to action by such, 
Keats unjustly said to have been killed by it and Tennyson 
by the same means silenced for ten years. Such criticism 
is critical hydrophobia. Any person of wisdom and virtue 
must know that a first book will not only show the various 
limitations of personality- and endowment but reasonably, 
naturally, and necessarily, it must show undevelopment and 
inexperience. It will show narrowness, disproportion, man- 
nerisms, echoes and techh'ical imperfections. These must 
be in any apprenticeship book. The real question should 
be, does this book reveal any of the essential qualities ot 
poetry and offer any ground for hoping for a real contri- 
bution. In this first book I believe there are some real 
promises. 

The most important quality here is the spiritual reality. 
This is not always regarded as such but it is the absolutely 
essential quality of poetry. This comes direct from the 
soul. It does not come from the head and is not doctored 
by the eye and ear. There is no sign of effort or strain, 
none of the cleverness or smartness that is so deadly, and 
no pretentions to talent or genius. It is a straight, honest, 
natural and direct utterance out of th^ heart and like all 
such realities, it has spontaneity and appeal. I do not see 
or feel a falsetto line or note in it. It is simple, sincere and 
vital. That cannot be a small virtue which is the very 
soul of all good poetry. 

The thought qualities are not especially marked. This 
is not rich, passionate, original or creating. These could 
hardly be expected from a freshman school girl and from 
work written in her first teen years Life, experience 
and growth will supply these later. 

The most promising indication of this first book is 
along the line of beauty. There is here something of that 
light "in which all things work and move." There is some- 
thing of grace, form, content, proportion, ideal relation, 
expression of inner being, glimpse of the divine or what- 
ever else we may call beauty. The hard, rough, lean and 
gaunt touch is absent. The themes, treatment and expres- 
sion rise up and fit into the finer senses of being. The 
"night songs" are evidence of this and some portion of 
these bear the genuine artistic stamp of nature on them. 
They are so above the common and have such a fine grace 
of soul that our esthetic sense li touched, wakened and led 
out to dream. Some of the smaller and commonplace sub- 
jects are redeemed and made significant by this quaMty. 
These approaches to and suggestion of the perfect that 



constitute the beautiful are manifest here in parts, a few 
times in wholes, and clearly seem an index finger pointing 
to a better beauty in the future. 

The sphere of the work need hardly be mentioned. It 
is between nature and the religious spirit. Her best pro- 
ductions are on these subjects. The former speaks for itself 
and a word on the latter may be in place. The teen life is 
generally regarded as reliigous, possessing the "reverence 
for the dreams of youth" but there are few old and still 
fewer young that are religious in this sense. This religious 
utterance is elemental, universal and so sane that it ex- 
presses the desire of life's higher and wisest spirits. "He 
Leadeth Me" is a hymn of such depth and reality that it 
can express the ripest and wisest of soul. Neither the ex- 
perience or expression is common and both are genuine 
prophecies of a future still more excellent. 

All lovers of poetrj' will wish that this young author 
will live and grow in the spirit of life, nature, literature 
and wisdom, which is ever religious. We welcome her to 
the fellowship of the poets. Poetry for the creators arid 
appreciators is its own exceeding great reward even if we 
do exeperience another word of Dr. Johnson on the critic 
and life in general: 

He judges the dead by their best 

And those that are quick by their worst, 
So these are immortal and blest 
And these are forever more. 

David Chalmers Nimmo, 

Detroit, 4-17-21. 



CONTENTS 



Wordsworth 9 

Nature 10 

To the Moon 11 

The Brook's Melody. . 12 

Night 13 

The Moon 14 

Evening 15 

Sleep , 15 

Shadows 16 

October Again 17 

The Afterglow 16 

Nature's Life 18 

Longings 20 

The Evening Star 19 

March 20 

April 21 

May 22 

June 23 

Spring Time 24 

Invitation 25 

Night Soul 26 

Morning ► 27 

Melodies 28 

The Lily 29 

The Shepherdess .... 30 

A Vision 31 

Poet Sense 32 

So 13 

Youth 33 

The Flower of Poetry. 34 



A Lullaby 35 

That Day 36 

Heart Wishes 37 

My Grandfather 38 

The Fields of Sleep. . . 39 

Western Windows . . . 40 
Springtime "Over 

There" 41 

Dreams 42 

To My Angel 43 

To a Child 44 

I Wonder 45 

Word and Desire 46 

Perception 47 

The New Year 48 

The Winds of God. . . 49 

Dreaming 50 

Christmas Carol 51 

Behind the Veil 52 

A Child's Wish 53 

The Easter Rose 54 

He Leadeth Me 55 

The Novice 56 

Eastern Windows .... 37 

Soul Desire 53 

Morning After the 

Storm 59 

The Ross That Grows 

in Flander's Field . . 60 

The Lamp of Slumber. 61 



"Poetry was all written before time was, find when- 
ever we are so finely organized that we can penetrate into 
that region where the air is music, we hear those primal 
warblings, and attempt to write them down, but we lose 
ever and anon a word, or a verse, and substitute something 
of our own, and thus miswrite the poem." — Emerson. 



WORDSWORTH 

Thou mighty poet. 

Nature's highest priest 

Who, like a gleaming star 

Rose from the glowing east 

Clothed by the Muse in shining raiment bright. 

Glowed in thy gentle breast 

That fair celestial light! 

Oh wondrous prophet; nature's bard sublime! 

We hear thy echoing voice. 

Through all the season's chime 

In thy heavenly songs we feel 

The inmost truths thou didst reveal 

To waking hearts — through nature fair 

Her heaven born gifts, so rich and rare. 

O rapturous muse, with God thou didst comn^une. 

The spirit of the universe 

Thou wert with Him in tune — 

The lifting power of thy strain 

Renews our inmost strength again 

To higher realms of poesy. 

Thou leadst us, by thy minstrelsy. 

Immortal poet, thy theme was all divint. 

No tributes are too great 

To place upon thy shrine 

A messenger of truth, who stood 

Above this world of strife 

Inspired genius, unsurpassed, 

A fountain pure of life. 



9 



NATURE 

A falling star, 

A floating clouH. 
A bird that sings 

Both clear and loud, 
A dancing leaf, 

A drop of dew 
A mossy bank 

A violet blue — 
The sun, the moon. 

The azure sky. 
The gusty breeze 

That hurries by, 
The mead, the hill. 

The dimpling stream 
All tell us of 

A power supreme — 
The dawn of morn, 

The close of day. 
The rainbow bright. 

The lambs at play ; 
These wondrous gifts 

Doth nature give. 
To see, to know 

Them — is to live. 



10 



TO THE MOON 

How silently, how silently, 

Thd silvery moon doth glide 
O'er Heaven's deep, while wee stars peep 

And peer on every side. 

How like a floating swan of white 

The shining moon doth seem 
While to and fro, with motion slow. 

And peaceful as a dream. 
She moves, that scarce a wave doth stir 

Upon that sable sea. " 

As when in sleep, profound and deep 

The earth-bound spirit free, 
On quivering, throbbing wings of thought. 

Doth rise to realms of light, 
'Mid starry gleams and trailing beams. 

To scale the topmost height. 

Thou gliding phantom of the night 

In spell of beauty bound, 
A mystic beam, on night's still stream 

In solemn splendor gowned. 



n 



THE BROOK'S MELODY 

Through a peaceful shady nook 
Flows a little crystal brook. 
Singing on its pebbled way 
Songs of gladness night and day. 

"I wreathe and whirl, 
I laugh and sing 

While flowing on my way; 
I catch the yellow sunbeams 

That on my waters play." 

Modest daisies on its brink 
Bend their pretty heads to drink 
Of the streamlet's waters fleet, 
List'ning to its music sweet. 

Through the leafy emerald trees 
Whispers soft the passing breeze. 
Or some magic spirite or dream 
Murmurs to the answering stream. 

Through the swaying branches stray 
Little, fleeting sunbeams gay. 
Kiss with golden lips the brook 
Making bright the shady nook. 

Sunbeams through the grasses peep 
Waking violets from their sleep. 
Softly calling: "Come, arise! 
See thy kin in earth and skies!" 

"I wreathe and whirl, 
I laugh and sing 

While flowing on my way; 
I catch the yellow sunbeams 

That on my waters play." 

12 



NIGHT 

Lo! I hear the footsteps light 

Of the dim and shadowed night 

Coming o'er the hills afar 

Led by even'ng's cherished star. 

Her darkened mantle fringed with light 

Is decked with silvery stars most bright. 

Oh listen to the singing sweet 

As on she comes with velvet feet. 

"Rest lillle birds within your nest; 

Ye all are safe upon my breast! 

Sleep, blossoms, sleep, and let your dreams 

Be of the morning and its gleams! 

Peace mortals peace! Cease ye from strife 

And rest upon the heart of life! 
Hark, hark unto the nightingale 
Soft warbling in the woody vale! 
To all around his leafy bower 
He sings of that sustaining power. 
The gentle Night who bringeth rest 
To all the world and souls oppressed." 



SO 

A bird is winging its lonely flight. 
Singing a song of sheer delight. 
Filling the air with its notes of glee 
'Till the very dreams come forth to see ; 
Higher and higher it soars from sight 
As a pure soul wings from earth its flight. 
Lost in the blue and a lyric bird 
Is singing a song that was never heard; 
So the poet sings. The immortal strain 
Is life to those that on earth remain. 



13 



THE MOON 

The moon glides o'er her airy floor 
Like a lovely phantom bright. 
The silver stars on the shaded bars. 
Are prints of her footsteps light. 

Like a glimmering ghost, with her starry host 
She moves, vs^ith a measured pace 
A vaporous cloud, her misty shroud. 
She draws o'er her pale, pale face. 

Like a cloistered nun when her prayers are done 
She peers through the bars of night 
Though the clouds may roll and obscure her soul 
She floods soon the Heavens with light. 

Like a changing spirite through the silent night 
Now shining; then fading from view 
For she hears the beat of the Morn's fair feet 
As she comes through vapors of blue. 



14 



EVENING 

Treading on the skirts of Day, 
Evening comes, on feet of gray. 
On her dusky brow doth wear 
Her favorite shining jewel fair, 
Her cherished star, her glowing gem, 
Gleaming in her diadem. 
Wrapped in her misty robe of gray, 
She watches the angels take the day 
And fly with it, over beyond the sea 
To bury it deep in Eternity. 



SLEEP 

Come, blessed sleep. 
Come, soothing sleep, 

The soul's sweet comforter , 
Come, Oh come, on footsteps light 
Angel of the silent night ! 
1 feel thy kiss upon my lips 
I feel thy gentle finger tips 

Press lightly on my drooping lids 
Thy loving arms about me twine 
Great spirit of the night divine 
O! wave thy opiate wand in air 
And banish every grief and care. 



15 



SHADOWS 

Shadows dancing, shadows flitting 
O'er the mossy grass 
Fairy phantom shapes entrancing 
In fleeting glory pass. 

Softly gliding, transient visions 
On a glassy stream 
Like dark birds on ripples riding 
Their pilot a moon beam. 

Trembling, quaking, shimmering shadows 
Fall on Nature's breast 
Downward mystic feathers shaking , 

From wings of angels blest. 

Shadows flicker, shadows quiver 
In the sunlight glownng 
To and fro they sway and bicker 
Then together flowing. 

THE AFTERGLOW 

The flaming sun has sunk to rest. 
Its last beams quiver in the west 
And touch with glory every crest. 
Slowly its rosy gleams expire 
Like dying notes on an angel's lyre 
As downward sinks the day's desire. 
Then across the west doth stream 
A shining softer golden gleam 
As if some trembling tearful dream 
Desired and reached a sudden hand 
And bade the softer beauty stand 
And feed the heart of all her band. 
h stood, it glowed, it fed the heart. 
The twilight dream did slow depart. 



16 



OCTOBER AGAIN 

Once again I am returning 

Garbed in robe of clearest blue; 

Once again my amber tresses 
Freely flow with mellowmg hue. 

Once again the flowers sadden 
As I strip each gold clad tree 

Color bright, then droop and wither 
As their finer spirts flee. 

Once again the pale leaf blushes 
As I whisper words of love. 

Colors as a lovely maiden 
To a lover far above. 

Once again my harp aeolian 
Plays a soft and tender strain 

Once again the red leaves dancing 
Call: "October's come again." 

Once, again I bring the harvest 
With its sheaves and golden days. 

Orchard trees and fields are laden 
In the mellow ripening haize. 

Once again God's precious songsters 
Warble sweet, their fond adieu; 

Once again they're flying southward 
Through the skies of cloudless blue. 



17 



NATURE'S LIFE 

There's a palpitating rapture 
In the throbbing heart of Nature 
Tliat fills and thrills my being 
With its magic, magic lore. 
For in its rythmic panting 
There lies a spell enchanting 
That folds and holds my Spirit 
In its Life forevermore. 

Mystic is the occult treasure 
Bound within its lyric measure. 
Gowned and crowned with song intrinsic 
Wrapped in meaning esoteric 
Like a wave upon the ocean 
Is its rhythmic, rhyming motion 
Rushing, gushing, waking, breaking 
Forth, in living, lilting lyric. 

Oh! immortal Muse, e'er glowing 
With the light of Fancy flowing 
Sweeping, leaping, with a passion 
That doth fill me more and more 
With an infinite desire 
For a hope that doth inspire 
That answers to the Spirit 
Of old Nature and her lore. 



18 



THE EVENING STAR 

Star light, star bright 
Shining in the vault of night 
Like an angel's watchful eye 
Peering downward from on high 
To see if all is well on earth. 

Fair star, rare star 
Hanging from an ebon bar 
Like a blossom white suspended 
From a bough of leaves that's bended 
With the beauty of its flower. 

Jewel fair, jewel rare 
Trembling in the lucid air 
Like a silver ornament 
Basking with a calm content 
Glowing on a lady's gown. 

Star shine, love sign 

Beaming with a light divine 

Decking like a tinselled gem 

The queen of night's embroidered hem 

Whose shadows trail into the west. 



i9 



LONGINGS 

Oh stars that shine, 

Oh winds that blow, 
Oh crystal streams 

That murmur low! 
Oh leaves that dance. 

Oh blossoms fair, 
Qh clouds that float 

So high in air! 
Oh birds that sing. 

Oh waving trees. 
Bright butterflies 

And birds and bees! 
Would that my heart 

Could but express 
Your passion, life 

And loveliness! 



MARCH 

Howling March, with rapid pace. 
Streaming hair and blustering pace. 
Flinging measures loud and shrill, 
Trav'ling over lake and hill; 
Harbinger of gentle Spring 
Calling her though rough you sing; 
Bending boughs of leafless trees. 
Rendering nature's harmonies 
In mighty tones, in loud or low. 
Anger, wrath or grief or woe. 
Howling March so blustering loud 
Life is bold and strong and proud 
But within thy strife and noise 
May is coming with her joys. 

20 



APRIL 

In woven sunbeams April comes 

Across the vernal hills 
And all the earth with glory teems 

While Nature's spirit thrills. 

The heart of Nature leaps with cheer 

For on the throbbing air 
The songs of April she doth hear 

Like birds at morning fair. 

Then She — the maid of waking flowers 
Soon doffs her golden shroud 

And sheds her tears in breaking showers. 
While passing through a cloud. 

Oh! buddng trees, and winding streams 

Oh ! April skies of blue 
Flooding our hearts with springtime dreams 

Making our lives anew. 



21 



MAY 

The trailing garments of the May 
Are fringed with fragrant flowers 
Violets blue, and cowslips gay 
Bestowed by April's showers. 

May wears a glowing diadem 
Decked with many a dewy gem, 
Her feet have touched the valleys fair 
And left their rosy imprint there. 

Where e'er May treads, there daisies spring 

And Love, the life of living things 

So sweetly doth her praises sing 

In stir of leaves, and fluttering wings. 

Oh! Nymphs and satyrs, dance and sway, 
And play your pipes to greet the May 
She comes in panoply of gold 
While children bright, her train uphold. 



11 



JUNE 

Welcome fair and lovely June, 
Smiling brightly, skipping lightly 
Over grassy meadows green. 
Flowers bringing, sweetly singing 
Smiling on this beauteous scene. 

Glad birds greet thee, trilling sweetly 
Joyous notes so clear and free. 
A mantle green so soft serene 
Hangs with beauty on each tree. 
The happy brides, the lovers' prides 
Now are full eclipsed by thee. 

While June will reign her emerald train 

Is fringed with roses red. 

A coronet rare of lilies fair 

Adorns her queenly head. 

Rich robed in gold and raiment green 

June Cometh to be wed. 



23 



SPRING TIME 

'Tis springtime on the hillside 

Where young lambs frisk in glee, 

'Tis springtime in the budding wood 
And on the greening lea. 

'Tis springtime in the meadows 

Where modest daisies blow. 
In garden and on purpling heath 

Where gorse and heather grow. 

'Tis springtime in the leafy wood. 

And by the shimm'ring brook 
Where shaded scented violets grow 

Within the shadowed nook. 

'Tis springtime in my soul to-day, 

Where Hope and loving thoughts hold sway 
When Youth and love are in the heart 

'Tis Spring-time then, where e'er thou art. 



24 



INVITATION 

The criir.son leaves dance o'er the lea. 
Singing a soft, sweet song to me. 
This is the joyful lay they sing, 
This is the message that they bring: 
"Little maid, little maid 

So beautiful and fair. 

We pray thee come 

And dance with us 

O'er the meadows bare. 

"Little maid, little maid 
Come join our gleeful throng 
Come skip with us 
Come trip with us 
And sing our happy song." 
"Oh ! blushing leaves, that dance and plaj 
Gladly I'll sing with you, your lay 
I, in thought will join your band 
And dance with you o'er the golden land." 
Oh. we mortals here who dwell 
Thought bound in this earthly shell 
Let the prisoned fancy free 
Let it roam in ecstacy 
Like the scarlet leaf so gay 
Like the happy child at play. 



25 



NIGHT SOUL 

In sable robe the p>ensive Night, 
At her shining casement bright. 
Like a cloistered nun doth stand, 
Weaving with a mystic hand 
A rosary, of starry light. 

Holy, saintly spirit blest. 

Moon beams cross her sacred breast. 

On her veiled and drooping head 

Their eternal beauty shed. 

And lightly on her brow they rest. 

Where the mellow tapers shine. 
With a hallowed light divine. 
There, the nun, on bended knee; 
Before the shrine of mystery 
Whispers loving prayers, benign. 

And her prayers, like blossoms white 
With the calmness of the night 
Fall on hearts, that yearn and wait 
'Till mom opes her glowing gate 
And Light as Love bursts on the sight 



26 



MORNING 

I hear the airy tread of mom 
As she with rosy finger tips 
Touches light, the blossom's lips; 
Bidding them to ope their eyes 
And see the glistening dew that lies 
C'ttering on each blade of grass. 

See how the lily, chaste and fair. 

Up rears her chalice in the air 

The drops of pearled dew to hold 

Gleaming bright as glittering gold ; 

A purity and beauty blest 

That Nature brings for morning's breast. 

Soaring birds are carolling clear 

Welcoming notes of joy and cheer. 

To greet the radiant morning; 

She comes, she comes, the lovely maid 

Like a blushing bride arrayed. 

All earth she's now adorning. 



27 



MELODIES 

How sweet are nature's melodies. 
The silver stream that murmurs low. 
The wanton winds that gently blow. 
Playing among the leafy trees 
Their sweet ethereal symphonies. 
The birds that warble loud and clear 
Their limpid, liquid notes of cheer. 

The brooks, the breeze, the birds that sing 
Their songs of welcome in the spring. 
The day and night and seasons change 
Fling melodies as on they range. 
Oh songs of Nature chain the ear 
And cleanse the heart and feed it cheer. 

But life's unheard sweeter strains 
Are nursed by nature's soft refrains. 
From friends, from lovers and from souls 
The richest, ripest music rolls. 
When heav'n within ourselves we find 
A heav'n of melodies unbind. 



28 



THE LILY 

Virgin lily chaste and pure 

Like a saintly nun demure 

Who consecrates her life to God 

Treading where His feet have trod. 

Oh ! fragrant lily sweet and fair. 
Shedding incense on the air, 
Wafted like a winged prayer 
To Him — who holds thee in His care. 

Like the Virgin fair thou art 
Spotless soul and golden heart 
Oh! place a lily on her shrine 
In memory of her Son divine. 

Sweet lily in thy beauty dressed 

A purity supremely blest 

Thy faith is in that power above 

Who lives in thee, whose name is "Love. 



29 



THE SHEPHERDESS 

Oh! lovely shepherdess so bright. 
Tending thy flocks throughout the night- 
O'er the deep blue fields of heaven 
Thy silent, starry flocks are driven. 

Outstretch thy shining crook on high, 
Fair regent of the tranquil sky. 
O'er thy herds that round thee play 
'Till Davvn comes leading in the day. 

Treading the hills with lightsome foot. 

Calling w^ith thy silver flute 

Thy infant lambs into the fold 

Ere Phoebus doth his gates unfold. 



30 



A VISION 

Last night I dreamed a radiant dream 
While stars were shining bright 

And mute earth lay asleeping 

'Neath the pale moon's glimmering light. 

A fair celestial garden rare 

And there an angel wrought 
And in the flowers of his care 

Breathed in his spirit's thought. 

What panting passioned flowers grew 

In that sweet sacred place 
Our earth has never dreamed the dreams 

Of their celestial grace. 

Far, far more fair than lilies white 

More lovely than the rose 
Such odors, forms and colors bright 

No earthly zephyr blows. 

And thither came diviner birds 

And softer vital airs 
And in the dream I heard the words 

That lifted off my cares. 

Then all did vanish, all was fled. 

As dreams fly with the night 
But there was glory on my head 

And in my heart delight. 



31 



POET SENSE 

TKe poet, Nature's worshipper 
Ever sees God's smiling face. 

In the streamlets, in the flowers 
He beholds His wondrous grace. 

He hears a voice in accents tender 
In low, soft winds that play. 

Hears God speaking in the twilight 
At the closing of the day. 

He hears the birds, God's lower choir 
Chant sweet their hymns of praise 

And the poet's heart is lifted 
For he understands their lays. 

He sees God in the rainbow's glory 
Glowing with His promise bright 

Sees Him in the waking morning 
When unfolds the new-born light. 

He sees Him when dusk's curtains falling 

And shadows fill the skies 
When the last gold thread^ has faded 

And the waning beauty dies. 

"God is nature" sings the poet — 
"God is love" and "God is all"-^ — 

If our hearts are wide and open 
We shall feel and hear Him call. 



32 



YOUTH 

Youth in her slender fingers white, 
Holds fast with cherished fond delight 
The rosy bud; that is to be 
.The flower of futurity. 

Fair youth, with wide expectant eyes 
Blue as summer's rifted skies 
At her gilded casement stands 
Waiting there with outstretched hands. 

Gazing on the great wide world. 
That hath to her its charms unfurled 
The heart and soul of childhood teems 
With radiant visions, hopeful dreams. 

Throbbing life so warm and glowing 
Through youth's pulsing being flowing 
Kindling with a mystic fire 
Youth's fond hopes and high desire. 



33 



THE FLOWER OF POESY 

A heavenly flower, fragrant and rare, 
Blooms in my radiant dream garden fair, 

A source of peace and joy to me. 
This tender flower of poesy. 

From life's tempests e'er defended. 
By white handed Hope attended. 
Its petals fair, ope to the light 
Holds in its heart a promise bright. 

'Tis my aim in futurity. 

To pluck this flower of poesy, 

Its hidden meaning I would find. 
Deep as the sea, strong as the wind. 

Sweet blossom, let thy Censer swing 
O'er the wide world its perfume fling 

Filling all hearts, with calm content 
And be to me a sacrament. 



34 



A LULLABY 

Dearest baby, close your eyes 
And mother will sing sweet lullabies. 
While o'er thy swaying cradle streams. 
And glance and dance, the pale moonbeams. 

The Lady Moon with stately step 

Doth mount her lofty throne. 
She sits a queen in bright array 

To watch her starry zone. 

Her silver mantle lightly falls 

Upon the peaceful land. 
She tends her bowers of silver flowers 

With light and loving hand. 

Each blossom is a thought of love 

That rises as a prayer. 
The Lady Moon doth weave them bright 

In lovely garlands fair. 

There are bright dreams and flowers sweet 

Around the Lady Moon. 
Now down to earth they're falling soft 

And round thy cradle strewn. 

Then dream my dear, dear baby 
Of moonlight and of flowers. 

Of morning and the warbling birds 
In green and leafy bowers. 



35 



. "THAT DAY" 

That day like some departing guest 
Slow lingered in the violet west, 
Still gazing with reluctant sorrow 
Upon the earth that waits the morrow. 

1 hat day, it wore a halo bright 
And shimmering robes of rainbow light. 
To her the joyous birds did sing 
While lightly tripped the silver spring. 

Blossoms curtsied in the breeze 
That played ethereal symphonies. 
While freely snowy cloud ships flew 
Across the airy main of blue. 

That day whose brow the poets dressed. 
With living songs in splendor dressed. 
Inspired muses sang her praise 
In long undying lyric lays. 

Oh happy day, thou must not die! 
I cannot bid thy soul "Goodbye!" 
The memory of thy smiling mien 
Yet in my heart is sweet and green. 

As fainter glowed the waning light 
And nearer drew the black palled night 
Days' spirit fair from earth did flee 
To live on in eternity. 



36 



HEART WISHES 

Oh that my heart were like a leaf 

So flutt'ring light and gay! 
Oh that my heart were as a bird 

Singing its roundelay! 

Oh that my heart were like a rose 

Shedding its fragrance rare! 
Olh that my heart were as a cloud 

Upon the wings of air! 

Oh that my heart were like the dew 
That freshens each lowly flower! 

01\ that my heart could comfort bring 
To souls that strifes devour? 

Oh that my heart like lilies fair 
Were pure and spotless white! 

Oh that my heart a fountain were. 
Sweet singing day and night! 

Oh that my heart were cleansed with fire 

That Christ might enter in 
And fill my soul with love's desire 

And all of being win! 



37 



MY GRANDFATHER 

As I sit with head rechning 
Gazing on the embers bright 

I acn see the snowy image 
In the fitful ruddy light. 

Memories fond and rich return 
Of my childhood hours so dear 

When I listened to his stories 
And that voice again I hear. 

Once again he's softly telling 

Tales of knights and ladies fair, 

Elfs and goblins, dwarfs and giants. 
Princesses with golden hair. 

Then I see that face so kindly 
With its crown of silver hair. 

And I see the love-light beaming 
In his eyes so blue and fair. 

Till I picture in the embers 

Prancing steeds and warriors bold. 
Ladies on their snow white palfreys 

Crumbling castles famed of old. 

Then my fair and transient vision 
Slowly, slov/ly fades from sight 

And my knights and ancient castles 
Vanish in the fitful light. 

Oft I see the honored parent 

Who first taught me poet lore. 

And he seems an ancient singer 
In the golden days of yore. 



38 



THE FIELDS OF SLEEP 

The Fields of Sleep, the Fields of Sleep, 
O'er which the stars, in nights still deep 
Their tender, silent vigils keep. 

The Fields of Sleep, the Fields of Sleep 
Where poppies nod on the dewy sod 
And winds are singing sweet songs of God. 

The Fields of Sleep, the Fields of Sleep 
Where fairies white, out of moonbeams bright 
Are wearing the radiant dreams of Night. 

The Fields of Sleep, the Fields of Sleep 
Where the seed of Peace is sown 
With the Lily of Rest, folded close to the breast. 
From the heart, all care hath flown. 

Blest Fields of Sleep, blest Fields of Sleep 
O'er which the stars in the nights still deep 
Their tender, watchful vigils keep. 



39 



WESTERN WINDOWS 

Gazing through the western windows 
Toward the slow declin.ng sun. 

Its departing gleams of crimson 
Tells another day is done. 

Looking from the western windows. 
As the sun sinks low to rest. 

Flooding earth with beams of glory. 
Gilding every mountain crest. 

As I watch its dying splendor, 
Fading slowly from my sight. 

Gazing from the western windows 
At the purpling, changing light. 

Then my heart is filled with longing. 
There to fly and seek for rest. 

And to find my soul's desire 
In the bosom of the west. 



40 



SPRINGTIME OVER THERE 

When springtime cometh "Over There" 
She decks the graves with blossoms fair. 
Those mounds, beneath which heroes lie 
Who, for their country's sake did die. 

Covering with nodding poppies red. 
Hue of the gallant blood they shed, 
And modest daisies, snowy white. 
That tell they fought for truth and right. 

Spring strews the turf with violets blue 
In memory of our brave and true — 
They're woven in our banner free. 
Those glowing radiant colors three. 

The soft, sweet winds that hurry by. 
The songbirds soaring in the sky. 
Sing of fair spring, in vernal dress 
Who comes, that hallowed spot to bless. 



41 



DREAMS 

There are dreams that fill the fancy 
With visions bright and fair, 

There are dreams of fame and riches. 
And dreams of beauties rare. 

There are dreams of joy and gladness, 
And dreams of hope and love; 

There are dreams of lofty genius 
Bestowed from Heaven above. 

But the dreams that are the fairest, 
The dreams that comfort bring. 

Is to dream of running brooklets, 
And the violet banks of Spring. 

To dream of birds soft singing. 
And low winds love songs sweet, 

And little glancing sunbeams 
That dance on golden feet; 

Of the iris tinted rainbow. 

The odorous breath of flowers. 

Of humming bees and butterflies. 
And sound of vernal showers. 

Old nature has a bounty. 

Of power and change and schemes 
But she's alwayes overflowing 

With more than lover's dreams. 



42 



TO MY ANGEL 

Sweet Guardian Angel, tender, miid, 
Protect and guide thy wayward child ! 
Oh take me gently by the hand 
And lead me to that heavenly land 
Where sorrow ne'er can enter in 
And all are free from guilt and sin. 

Oh purest Angel, guardian dear. 

Grant when I feel thy presence near 

I may obey, as servant meek 

Serve whom my fervent heart should seek! 

Oh cleanse my heart from every sin 

And let Thy presence encer in. 

Dwell in me, guardian angel, dwell 
And to my inmost spirit tell 
The pure, divine and inner word 
Like that "the two" so gracious stirred! 
Still lead me, guardian spirit lead. 
The way of life and love and mead. 



43 



TO A CHILD 

Oh little child of tender years 
Who treadeth not this vale of tears 
But wide inviting paths of light 
Where angels smile in gleaming white ! 

Within thy heart doth yet remain 
Mem'ries from whence thy spirit came. 
For thy swift careless motions free 
Are gowned in sweet simplicity. 

The heavenly things that round thee lie 
Are imaged bright before thine eye. 
Thine eye that can but only see 
Reflections of the pure in thee. 

God's perfect child, knows naught of fear! 
Rests in that presence ever near! 
And finds beneath the wings of love 
A kind protection from above. 

But yet we stumble through the night 
Still crying morn's departing light. 
The light that fainter still doth glow 
As farther* from our God we grow. 



44 



I WONDER 

I wonder if the gleaming stars 
That beam throughout the night 

Are little fairies of the skies 
In shining robes so white? 

I wonder if they bring the dreams 

The magic dreams so fair 
That come to babes in "Rock-a-bye land' 

When sweetly slumb'ring there? 

I wonder if the woodland elves 

Throughout the silent night 
Paint and perfume the sleeping flowers 

With soul and senses bright. 

I wonder if on heav'n's blue lawn 

The little cherubs fair 
Together with the Christ child play 
And love and serve Him there? 

I wonder if when skies are gray 

The sun has stayed in bed. 
And raindrops are the sparkling tears 

The baby angels shed? 



45 



WORD AND DESIRE 

Words: They are but idle things. 
That never can express 
The inmost thoughts and feeHngs 
That rise within the breast. 

Words: So soon forgotten, 
That fade away as dew 
Lost as a singing bird 
That soars in the cloudless blue. 

O: If by words we could commune 
With raptured spirits bright 
Our longing souls we'd satisfy 
E'er striving for the light. 

O: For one glimpse of the vast unseen 
That round about us lies. 
O: To behold those spirits fair 
Unseen to mortal eyes. 

'Tis not in words, but in the loves 
Where heart with heart doth meet 
God needs not words to understand 
Through Him all loves pan greet. 



46 



PERCEPTION 

The spirit eye can clearly see 
Beyond the veils that round us be. 
Can slow and certain penetrate 
The darkness round our mortal state. 

Earth state of mystery will unfold 
New grace and glory yet untold 
Beauties will rise upon the sight 
Clad in their pure celestial light. 

The purified with God commune 
And all in Him keeps perfect tune. 
The songs of spirits we can hear 
Through love's immortal mind and ear. 

Oh if we could but realize 
The strength, the power, that in us lies 
To higher levels we would rise 
And souls and thoughts diviner prize. 

Cast off the doubt of fear and night 
And enter into Love and Light! 
Within that love enlightened mind 
The truth ye see, the souls ye find. 



47 



THE NEW YEAR 

The sad bells are tolling 
For the year that is dying — 
For the old year, the Sere year 
That's passing away; 
The low winds are sighing 
For the friend that is dying. 
For the old friend, the true friend 
That's dying to-day. 

The glad bells are ringing, 

A welcome they're singing 

To the new year, the fair year. 

So lovely and bright. 

She comes, a fair maiden. 

Her arms are o'erladen 

With gifts, precious gifts. 

Of Hope, Promise and Might. 

The clear bells are pealing. 
Their m.usic is stealing 
Deep into our hearts. 
With a joy that's sublime 
For the young year, the pure year. 
The sweet, radiant New Year. 
Then sing bells, then ring bells. 
Your welcoming chime. 



48 



THE WINDS OF GOD 

As I walk on Life's rough shore, 
List'ning to the waters roar 
The winds of God blow up to me 
From far across that restless sea. 

The winds of God around me blov 

Whisp'ring in accents soft and low 

Of that sacred isle afar 

O'er which doth shine, Life's Beacon star. 

A golden island of the blest, 

Lies on the green sea's watery breast; 

'Tis this haven in the sea 

Oi which God's voice is telling me. 

Hush : Hush ; the winds of God now die ; 
The island fades from off the eye, 
A cloud of worldly dreams has crossed 
And that fair island dream is lost. 

Oh v/inds of God, oh winds divine 
Without thy breath my soul would pine. 
Oh whisper of that island far 
And blow the clouds from off that star. 



49 



DREAMING 

Dreaming alone while shadows are creeping 

Over the earth that is silently sleeping 

The wandering wind in the tree tops high 

And a silver star in the tranquil sky 

Far draweth the heart from the world so nigh. 

Musing alone in the twilight hour 
How the soul v/ill ope like a magic flower. 
A solemn communion with angels I hold 
Who hover around my altar of gold 
On gleaming wings that slowly unfold. 

Dreaming, still dreaming of beautiful things 
While deep in my heart a gentle voice sings 
Lulling and soothing my spirit to rest, 
Filling my heart with a joy unexpressed 
Like a messenger sent from the realms of the blest 

O wondrous the thoughts that can rise in the mind 
When spirit with spirit by love is combined ! 

Then sorrow and sighing retreats to the side ^ 
And glownig Hope through the portals doth glide 
An angel of earth, a Heavenly bride. 



50 



CHRISTMAS CAROL 

Slumbering in the manger there 
Lies the new born babe so fair; 
Infant holy and divine. 
Angels sing as round a shrine. 

Virgin mother chaste and mild 
Gazing on the new born child 
With a mother's fervent love 
Praising to the courts above. 

Wrapped in garb of poor array 
Hope within the manger lay 
Crowned with gleaming halo bright 
Emblem of that inward light. 

Hark and hear the angels sing 
Praises to our heavenly king! 
Life today spreads over earth ; 
Love has had divinest birth. 



51 



BEHIND THE VEIL 

Though dear earth friends, afar are flown 

Communing silent and alone 
They speak to us in tender tone. 

Behind the veil, behind the veil. 

When the weary mind's at rest. 

They come to us from realms of blest 
Their love for us still fills the breast. 
Beyond the veil, beyond the veil. 

In the serenity of Morn, 

When the Angel of Light brings Day new born 
If we listen, we shall hear, 

Hear our loved one's voices dear. 
Behind the veil, behind the veil. 

In the day's slow waning light. 

In the silence of the night. 
If our faith is strong and deep 

Our hearts, a pure, fair chalice keep. 
Then we may see behind the veil. 

Behind the veil. 



52 



A CHILD'S WISH 

Oh! I wish I could sail in a fleecy cloud 
Through the azure sky so clear, 
I wish I could ride far away to the land 
Of beautiful dreams, so dear. 

I'd fill my arms with dream flowers bright 
To bring to the slumbering babes at night; 
Then a cradle I'd weave of moonbeams fair 
For mother to rock her babe with care. 

Then I would sail past these earthly bars 

In my mystic boat so small 

And gathering all the silvery stars 

I'd gently let them fall. 

Straight to the lap of Mother Earth, 

To fill the children's hearts with mirth. 

Then I would sail away to the sun, 
And stealing lots of gold 
I would carry back to earth with me 
All that my arms could hold 
And then to every mother and child 
I'd be a fairy old. 



53 



THE EASTER ROSE. 

Weeping 'neath the cypress tree 
In the garden of Gethsemane; 
The lonely Master knelt to pray 
That the cup might pass away. 

In that olive garden fair 

A red rose grew; its fragrance rare 

Was wafted on the balmy air. 

To the Saviour, kneeling there — 

Like a message from above 

Sent by the tender hand of love. 

"Oh! sweet Jesus, let me be 
A heavenly comforter to Thee," 
Spake the rose with words of grace — 
The Redeemer gazed on the flower's face. 

From His deep soul there fell a tear, 
On the crimson rose that blossomed near. 
And, lo! in the morning's breaking light 
Its scarlet petals were changed to white. 



54 



HE LEADETH ME 

He leadeth me. He leadeth me 
Where blossoms strew the way. 

Along the path of light and life 
Where hope and faith have sway. 

With dews, shed from the wings of morn 

He feeds my thirsting soul, 
That follows where His Spirit leads 

Unto love's shining goal. 

The golden fruits of peace and joy 

From life's immortal tree 
Plucked by fair angel's tender hands 

My dear Lord giveth me. 

He walks in glory by my side 

So what have I to fear? 
When heaven's kiss is on my brow 

And God's voice in my ear. 



55 



THE NOVICE 

Gentle Novice, sweet and fair. 
Free from sin and worldly care. 
Leaving self to follow God, 
Treading where His feet have trod. 

Kneeling in the chapel there 
Far from worldly pleasure's snare. 
O'er and o'er her beads she tells 
As with love her spirit swells. 

For the gentle Master dear 
To her heart doth bend His ear. 
Knows her faith is strong and deep 
And her life His law will keep. 

Now the sun's last splendor steals 
As the blue robed sister kneels 
And its rays of gleaming red 
Rest in blessing on her head. 



56 



EASTERN WINDOWS 

Open wide the eastern windows! 

Quaff the balmy air of morn 
For the rainbow east's proclaiming 

That another day is born! 

Open wide the eastern windows. 

Listen to the robin's song. 
Heralding the waking morning. 

Bidding thee be pure and strong. 

Open wide the eastern windows ! 

Let the splendor vanquish night! 
Look unto the glowing orient 

Bursting forth in amber light I 

Open wide the eastern windows! 

Let the golden sunlight stream 
On life's fears and foes and phantoms! 

Shadows vanish at the gleam. 



57 



SOUL DESIRE. 

Loving Father, tender Shepherd, 
Listen to my humble prayer! 

I am weak and I am wayward. 
Keep me 'neath Thy Spirit's care. 

Set me free from evil passions, 
Guard me from all sense of sin. 

Free my heart form doubt and darkness 
That Thy love may enter in. 

Keep me ever pure and spotless, 

Sinless as a little child! 
Lead me on to realms immortal 

Through the world, but undefiled! 

Shield me, guide me, and protect me! 

Let me feel Thy inward grace, 
Till within Thy radiant palace 

I behold Thee face to face. 



58 



MORNING AFTER A STORM 

The earth, refreshed by silver rain 

Wraps its reviving form again 

In traihng mantle gay 

The raindrops sparkle in her hair 

Like precious diamonds, rich and rare; 

While laughing children at their play 

Uphold her fringed train. 

The lily, from her cup of gold 
Quaffs the sparkling vintage cold 
The fresh June rose, just newly blown 
Scarce can raise its drooping head 
For the kisses that are shed 
On her damask cheek alone 
By some mystic lover bold. 

Aurora climbs her azure stair 
Sw^inging her golden censer fair 
O'er the greenery of earth 
See, vv^hat gem like drops are shaken 
On the buds that early waken 
To the purple morning's birth 
Pregnant with an odor rare. 



59 



THE ROSE THAT GROWS IN FV ANDERS' 
FIELD 

There is a flower, a beautiful flower, 
A rose, with fragrance rare 
Blooming on a hero's grave 
In that stricken land "Over There." 

Growing beside a lowly cross, 
Adoring that emblem divine. 
Watching sentinel of love. 
Guarding that lonely shrine. 

Sweet symbol of a mother's love 
Tenderly guarding her boy. 
Who gave his life for his country 
To bring to the world peace and joy — 

The crimson hue that the blossom yields 
Blenrls wi'^^h the blood of the battlefields 
Of these fine lads, so bold and brave 
Who died as Christ, the world to save. 

Soaring birds trill joyous notes 

While peace upon the breeze now floats; 

Zephyrs whisper to honored dead 

Sweet peace now reigns, cruel war has fled. 

Oh ! lovely rose, so sWeet and fair 
You waft a message on the air. 
Bearing it to the hero's soul. 
Who gave his life — and gained his goal. 



60 



THE LAMP OF SLUMBER 

Come! Shadowy maid of sleep profound 
And scatter drowsy poppies round 
Those, who thy sweet name doth bless 
While longing for thy soft caress. 

How beautiful is Sleep! 
Sweet sleep, that comes at dead of night. 
Bearing the lamp of slumber light. 
Whose quivenng beams are shed afar. 
Like meteors, from a glowing star. 
She comes ! the gentle angel sleep 
In sacred, creeping, silence deep — 
Decked is her brow with lilies fair. 
Shedding their fragrance sweet and rare 
As incense, from a censer swinging 
Peace and rest to mortals bringing. 

Nocturnal Goddess ! in thine eyes 

A tender brooding silence lies 

Folding the world in fond embrace 

The sad, sad world with its care worn face. 



61 



